Sunday, March 25, 2012

Fresh Impressions of My First Zandvoort Circuit Run

Since Happy Feet in the Netherlands is still a relatively new blog baby for me, I'm still in the process of streamlining how I can make it more efficient to blog running experiences on the same timeline it happened. At least on the same day if not right after it happened.

The first year would be a lot of experimentation until I get the perfect, or at the very least an ideal recipe for leading a balance life: juggling family life, with my many passions, of which blogging and running are big parts of.Today, I participated for the first time in Runner's World Zandvoort Circuit Run. Tonight, I'll share my first impressions on my experience, and next time I'll be writing details of the unforgettable event itself.It is easier for me to write when I think of who I am writing for, and in this case it's the same. This post was first published on my FB for my family, friends, fellow bloggers and running buddies:

What an amazing day! :)

Today’s run earned me a PR in a 5K; my
running time has improved by 8 minutes! It does not sound much but every
single minute for a runner i.e. for beginner runners are monumental –
at least for me, I consider each single minute I am faster as being
wonderful! How can I share my joy to you, that you can feel this
over-flowing happiness for what seems like a simple achievement?!

The only way I can is as usual through an image, that captured the essence of the joy, a quote I meditate on to relish a personal fulfillment, and these thoughts I now write.

When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way. -Wayne Dyer

I dare say, it can also be applied to running.

This is the best running event I’ve ever participated in not only
because my entire family was all healthy enough to come along, all in
good spirits, & all there with cheers and proud smiles to support
me. It was not only because it was such a lovely Spring weather, and
the music & the athmosphere along the course was celebratory. It was also because after
over half a year of running, I truly felt one with running.

Yes, I dreamt about running as being something I could call my own for a very long time, and
when I finally did start, it opened so many worlds for me, I never
expected would. I began with running as I neared a milestone in my life
: turning 40. No expectations whatsoever, not even 5 years plan, like I
tend to do with so many life endevours. It was plain and simple:
JUST DO IT now OR I might never ever begin.

Along the way, I
was confronted with my own personal demons, thinking I am not good
enough, not strong enough, not disciplined enough, not focused enough,
and the list went on and on and on.

Running is a personal
adventure, an odyssey to your-self, a discovered self. Once you commit yourself to taking
on the challenge, and give it your very best, consistently, you will
experience, just like with anything you do in life - you’ll receive what
you give.

This is how I experienced today. A magnificently
rewarding day, that made me feel I AM a good runner, a strong runner, a
disciplined & focused runner.

I dreamed of running; I
finally run; I worked hard at it. I learned from my mistakes, I
forged on, & focused on my motivations.

You are so inspiring sis Jo! :) I still haven't joined any fun runs in our area, but I really hope I get to try it really soon. I used to be a track and field player back in grade school, but I've already lost the patience and determination to run and experience some inconvenience with running. But whenever I read your blog posts on running, I feel motivated.. :) Thank you!